Last night my wife and I attended the Holiday Party for the National Speakers Association – Georgia chapter. As always, it was a great time, with non-stop enjoyable conversations. I really am thankful to have that group of people, and the NSA organization, in my life.

When I joined NSA more than fifteen years ago, I was a wide-eyed twenty something with abundant excitement and little real knowledge about the profession of “Speaking.” Going to those first meetings, I was a little intimidated but mostly curious and awed by the talent and variety of interesting characters … some of which are still members today.

NSA is a remarkable group. People openly share all of their information, business practices, and trade secrets with one another. The support is heartfelt and genuine. After I got over the initial shock and suspicion, I’m convinced that NSA cut my learning curve by several years. But, more importantly, it gave me a group of people to consider colleagues, as well as friends, as we all seek to become better over time and help others to do the same. In many ways, although I am one of the group’s veterans now, I feel that I am still that beginning student. There is no end to learning in this remarkable, ever changing profession. Learning, in any meaningful endeavor, is a lifelong process.

I’m hopeful that you have an association of people like this in your life, too. That’s how we stay connected, accountable, and motivated to continue past our discouragements and challenges. We can’t do it alone.

For the past five weeks, I’ve been keeping regular attendance at the Yoga Source Studio near my home and office. It’s funny, but I have driven by this place for years, thinking I really should go take a class. Though I had only had limited experience with yoga, each time I tried it I came away with the realization that it would be an awesome component to my practice regimen.

As an I get older and continue to perform acrobatics, maintaining my fitness and overall flexibility is increasingly important. Flexibility, I am convinced, is one of the most important ingredients to injury prevention and recovery. I was also very interested in the benefits I would gain from getting better control and capacity of my breath. As a speaker, and especially a speaker who does back flips and handstand push ups, being able to manage my breathing is a rudimentary skill to enable me to deliver a powerful, persuasive flow of words.

Already, after just a month on the mat (2-3 times a week) I am noticing a huge benefit. Plus, I really enjoy the “escape,” being able to devote an hour apart from the phone or in-box and simply listen to the quiet voice within. Would that be the within-box? I don’t know.

In Off Balance On Purpose, I write a lot about the “lifelines” – the vital connections between the spheres of life. For me, the practice of yoga is strengthening the lifeline connections between Health–Spiritual Growth–Personal Interests. As I get to know other people in the class (and will also be bringing my wife, Sheilia, with me on Thursday), it will also be a way to strengthen some important and new Relationships.

In what ways do you need to remain flexible? How are you preparing for it? If you read my writing, you probably get the idea that everything with me is a metaphor for something deep and meaningful in life. Guilty as charged. But it is certainly true that we need to stay flexible – in our thinking, our abilities, and our approach – if we are to have remain adaptable, successful, and happy.

Take a deep breath. Relax. Lean forward. Stretch. Doesn’t that feel good?

Do you have tension in your life?

Let’s see. Between economic uncertainty, job pressures, and the multitude of circumstances competing for your attention, I’d say it’s a safe bet that we all experience the daily tugs of tension.

And that is a good thing.

Tension is natural, normal, and a vital component of a healthy, enjoyable, prosperous life. The key is to distinguish between the helpful, positive tensions that pull us forward toward improvement and the negative, destructive tensions that sabotage success and happiness.

As Glinda, the Witch of the North, asked Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, “Are you a good witch or a bad witch?”, we should ask the same of the tension in our lives. Is it good tension or bad tension?

Bad Tension

Bad tension may manifest in our lives as stress, strain, or sickness. The prolonged presence of these negative elements can take an enormous toll, manifesting in serious physical ailments or depression.

You need to diffuse the negative tensions in your life. Recognize and reject them. And note that, in many cases, these factors are self-inflicted — a byproduct of our thinking, our actions, and our indecision.

Stress: (n) a biological term, meaning “The consequences of the failure of a human or animal to respond appropriately to emotional or physical threats.”

It is not the circumstances or threats that bring about stress. It is our failure to act!

You must take action to diffuse or remove the bad tension in your life.

1. Engage in physical exercise.
2. Breathe deeply and purposefully.
3. Make the decisions you have been forestalling.
4. Refuse to accept the burdens that you know will bring about unwanted, negative tension.
5. Replace bad tension with good tension.

Good Tension

Tension can be a positive force that helps you understand your relationship relative to others and to life’s events, challenges, opportunities, and questions. As the “magnitude” of the opportunity or challenge increases, so will the tension. For example:

• The tug of competing forces (pros and cons) provides clarity relative to your position.
• The pull of a compelling opportunity draws you forward into uncertainty.
• The desire to become better causes you to put forth extra effort, learn, and improve your abilities.
• The connection you feel with others (a force created through communication, understanding, and shared experiences) serves as a guide or comfort when you are physically separate or pursuing different agendas.

When the tension is increased  — it may stir your emotions and generate some uncertainty. This, too, is normal and natural. You may notice that your existing doubts become harder to overlook. Your fears inflame. Your beliefs and abilities become tested.

I say bring it on! Even then, it is not only possible to relax and embrace uncertainty. It is a mandate!

When the stakes are real and immediate you can turn your tension into a heightened focus. Build the confidence to overshadow your doubts. It’s not as though they will go away completely. But doubts can drift into the background noise just long enough for you to take the next purposeful step down your own version of a “yellow brick road.”

Keep leaning forward,

Dan

(or Have Couch Will Travel)

Every day, it seems, an increasing number of people find themselves cash-strapped, debt-ridden, and upside down financially. This increasing national attention on the economy, job market, and overall instability of the dollar (or at least “my dollars”) is causing many to question their relationship with money.

While money may not be the source of happiness, it is often the middleman. Money provides us expanded choices, freedom, and a sense of security. With an increased cash flow, we imagine, we can bring abundance into our lives and provide for family and friends. We can also afford to be more generous, travel where we wish, and acquire resources to help us grow physically, and spiritually.

I’ve noticed an expanding trend, however, to “bypass the middle man” and look for other means – other currencies, if you will – to attain the experiences, relationships, and items we desire without the cumbersome monetary exchange.

One example I recently learned about is an organization called CouchSurfing International. This vast, worldwide community connects people, cultures, and places in a meaningful way, and it doesn’t cost any money to participate. For travelers, it provides an alternative to hotels or B&Bs, allowing them to stay at a host’s home for free. The idea of “couch surfing” implies that you will simply crash on a sofa, but in reality it usually means taking up the guest room. It is absolutely free, and as an added bonus, you not only have the benefit of accommodations, but also an opportunity to experience the place you are visiting from a local’s perspective. Especially while traveling abroad, this provides cultural immersion, opportunities to meet friends and discover places you would otherwise overlook.

Why would people do this? The people who are attracted to this concept value relationships. They love meeting people – especially people from around the globe. They value interesting experiences and love to build connections. At present, there are about 1.5 million couch surfers (representing 231 countries), 2.8 million positive experiences, and have been 1.7 million new friendships created as a result of this network.

Every aspect about CouchSurfing is voluntary, and you can view profiles, read references, compare interests, and even verify identities before agreeing to surf or host. These safety measures (and the fact that the people who are drawn to do it are naturally positive and giving in nature) ensure that the vast majority of encounters are positive. At least that has been the experience of the folks I’ve talked to. Still, I know what you’re thinking.

What is Your Relationship with Money?

Do you view money as a means to obtain something else you desire? If so, what is it?

• Freedom
• Happiness
• Status/a sense of belonging
• Adventure
• Education
• Improved health
• Better relationships
• Something else?

Is it possible that there are other ways to bypass the middleman (money) and still get more of what you want? I believe that you can, if you will follow these three steps.

1. Get crystal clear about what you value and what you desire.
2. Employ your creativity and other resources (relationships, technology, personal energy, skills, etc.)
3. Take action.

Here are a few examples:

Instead of expensive, formal education, access MIT lectures and other incredible resources via the Internet or iTunes University. For that matter, take advantage of your free local library!

Instead of a pricey health club membership or personal trainer, jump on a bike, take a run, do some yard work, or just walk through a park a few times a week. Get creative and develop your own cost-free workout plan.

Instead of an expensive present and fancy dinner to show your partner how much you care, plan a romantic picnic, write a touching letter, or employ your creativity (and inside information) to craft a truly special moment.

Conclusion

Your health and happiness are not derived from dollars, and that is a good thing. We cannot escape the impact of financial markets, in some form or fashion. We are all making adjustments to our game plans. But do not allow any external circumstances to hijack your happiness. That is your responsibility and mandate. And to create and experience a sensational life, you man need to convert to a new currency.

Keep looking up,

Dan

I would not be where I am in life without the examples and assistance of others. And I’m willing to bet that the same is true for you. We all benefit every day from our predecessors, teachers, advocates, and encouragers. In turn, we can uplift others through our words and deeds.

Role models and mentors are essential to your growth and success. We all have them. Some we choose directly and with forethought. Others, we are drawn to and begin to emulate without a conscious decision. They simply become part of the seasoning of our characters. Regardless, over time you will become like the people you associate and identify with on a regular basis.

That’s why I believe that selecting models and mentors should be a conscious choice. Be intentional and deliberate about the people you admire and aspire to “be like.” Be bold! Choose the people you most admire. Allow the brightest and best examples of humanity to bring out the best in you!

In who's footsteps will you follow?

Role Models

You don’t need someone’s permission to make that person a role model. Heck. You don’t even need to know them! You can choose anyone, from any period in history, from any country, state, or walk of life! The other great thing about role models is that you can pick and choose the qualities you wish to adopt. Select the best aspects without the flaws (we all have them).

Learn all you can about your role models. Study their lives, routines, habits, words, and thought processes. Then ask, “how can I make those qualities my own?” You shouldn’t strive to become a carbon copy of someone else. That would be false, unsuccessful and boring. Instead, allow the best aspects of those you admire to stimulate and influence your original choices about how you will spend your time, invest your thought, and take action.

Mentors

A mentor relationship is far more personal than a role model. This is an individual you engage directly. Again, it is someone you admire for a specific reason (or several). The relationship you seek is more structured, and it requires agreement by both parties: Your mentor agrees to assist you in achieving a specific skill or result. You agree to follow the instructions and implement what you learn.

This relationship is about accountability, trust, and action. If you are unwilling to follow the plan your mentor outlines and suggests, then you are wasting your time and theirs. You will likely be pushed into areas that are unfamiliar and uncomfortable. That’s the point! Sometimes it takes a commitment to a mentor (one that we respect and admire) to change our willingness to accept difficult tests. The aid of a mentor can help us achieve breakthroughs that would have taken much longer (or not been possible) on our own.

Across the Five Spheres

Choose a different role model for each of the five spheres of life (I introduce and discuss the five spheres more thoroughly in my book, Off Balance On Purpose). They are:

Read a free sample of Off Balance On Purpose

Work – Who do you wish to model professionally?

Relationships – Who enjoys and embodies the types of relationships you seek?

Health – Who is, for you, the model of health and wellness?

Spiritual Growth – Who can serve as a model for your spiritual development?

Personal Interests – Who represents “the best” in your hobbies and areas of interest?

Into Action

1. Write down the names of the individuals who you wish to model in each of the five life areas. There may be more than one in each category. Identify the character traits, skills, principles, disciplines, or other qualities that you most admire about that person.
2. Select one person and one character trait you wish to make your own. Then begin to adopt it into your life.
3. Carefully select a mentor in a specific area to help you with a well-defined goal or objective. Ask that person if they would be able to serve as a mentor to you. If the answer is “yes,” outline a process that respects his or her time and places the primary burden of effort where it belongs . . . on you!
4. Become willing to be a role model and mentor for others. What qualities, talents, and abilities do you possess that others desire and need? Every day, in all your encounters, strive to let your best traits shine, providing a positive model.

No matter how challenging the circumstances and journey you presently face, someone else has walked a similar path. You need a guide. You need a model or mentor to light the way, inspire your efforts, and provide encouragement.

Place yourself in the company of greatness, and you will also become great!

Keep leaning forward,

Dan

Don’t you just love it when things go smoothly? At such times, events, tasks, and conversations seem to happen naturally, and in a way that flows with perfect timing and seamless execution? We have all enjoyed these wonderful occasions. But we are also familiar (perhaps, more so) with the opposite experience, when obtaining progress seems to require supreme effort.

The concept of “flow”—this elusive and wonderful mode of operation—fascinates me, and I have always been drawn to questions surrounding the subject, such as:

• What is the state of flow, and how does it relate to human performance?
• Does flow happen accidentally or intentionally?
• How can we recapture or reproduce this state when it matters most?

I had an experience with “flow” of a different sort just last week, rafting through the Nenana River in Denali, Alaska. My wife and I took an excursion to the shadow of Denali Mountain (Mt. McKinley) in the Alaska Range, and employed a guide to steer us down class 3 and 4 rapids through the canyon of this glacially fed river. The water was a numbing 36 degrees, so we wore dry suits to protect us from total bone chill. The beauty and challenge had us completely engaged, and the ten mile, 2 ½ hour trip went by in a blink.

Perception is Reality

When you are fully engaged in a challenge, your concept of time and effort may become altered or “warped.” This phenomenon is one of the qualities of flow, according to the expert on the subject, Mihaly Czikszentmihal, author of Flow—The Psychology of Optimal Experience. He says, “instead of being buffeted by anonymous forces, we feel in control of our actions, masters of our own fate. On the rare occasions that it happens, we feel a sense of exhilaration, a deep sense of enjoyment that is long cherished and becomes a landmark in memory for what life should be like.”

Athletes may experience this state when engaged in competition. Creative types know full well the same sensation that arises from immersion in their work. And all of us have tapped into flow through meaningful conversations, rewarding work, fascinating educational encounters, or joyful, loving moments.

Getting There/ Finding Flow

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to access this state of mind, this deep happiness that shapes us so profoundly, on a regular basis? Well, you can! This immensely rewarding feeling, it seems, stems from our deliberate decisions to fully engage life and it’s challenging moments. Csikszentmihalyi writes, “The best moments usually occur when a person’s body or mind is stretched to its limit in a voluntary effort to accomplish something difficult and worthwhile.” That’s what I call living Off Balance On Purpose.

Instead of focusing on “flow” as a noun (a desirable end game), view it as a verb (a way of being and engaging your world). We choose to flow by applying ourselves to tackle a challenge, solve a problem, or embrace an intense and important moment.

Off Balance On Purpose

Similarly, “balance” is not a noun, a goal we can ultimately attain. When you pursue it as such, you immediately limit yourself and your response to your world. While grappling for balance, you have to impose rules and rigidly define what “balance” is. This proves to be difficult, if not impossible, as the concept is constantly changing to reflect the longing for what could be but isn’t. The grass will always be greener, and life could always be more fulfilling—somehow.

When you shift your viewpoint to see “balance” as a verb, limitations become limitless possibilities. You are engaged in the art of balancing multiple aspects of life, applying your skills, talents, choices, actions, and creative solutions to integrate what is happening all around you. There is no “end game,” as the masterwork of your creation (your life) is in constant flow. But by engaging the challenge and responding in a vibrant way, you become the guide who shapes the journey.

Into Action

1. Increase your level of engagement in your world. Pursue a more meaningful challenge and you just may find yourself swept up by a sense of flow that brings you joy and heightened rewards.
2. Stop searching for “balance” and become a better balancer. Learn the skills that will enable you to guide yourself through challenging moments.
3. Choose the route you wish to follow—a route that is both “difficult and worthwhile.”
4. Manage your internal reality. When you cultivate a sense of order in your thinking, you also experience order in your life.

When the waves pound you, feel the exhilaration, dig in your paddles, and become a part of the flow.

Keep Leaning Forward,

Dan

Click here for a sample of Dan's new book, Off Balance On Purpose, available NOW!

Are you stuck?

Don’t worry, it happens to everyone from time to time.

There are many ways to feel “stuck.” You could be, for instance:

• stuck in your ways
• stuck in the mud
• stuck in a rut
• stuck in a routine
• stuck in an unfulfilling job, relationship, commitment, or cycle of behavior

When you find yourself “stuck,” in some form or fashion, you realize you have lost momentum and you are in a less-then-ideal situation with little immediate hope for improvement.

The danger is getting used to the feeling of stuck-ness, looking around and enjoying the surroundings as we take full ownership of our condition. Being stuck can be kind of fun. After all, it is a great excuse to miss appointments! Being stuck in life can help us explain away other circumstances and justify why we are where we are. It’s not our fault, after all. It’s just that . . . well . . . we’re stuck!

Don’t become content with your surroundings. If you are stuck right now, it is up to you to change the situation. Get yourself un-stuck! Cease being satisfied with your undesirable state of “stuck” and insist on more for your life! Become discontent with the status “stuck” and initiate the path toward a new freedom and higher fulfillment.

Necessity may be the mother of invention, but discontentment is the mother of reinvention.

Initially, it is imperative to come to terms with your situation, own your reality, and embrace the condition you face. But ultimately, if you are unsatisfied, it is up to you to reshape your reality, and alter your condition for the better.

Contentment, complacency and acceptance of a “stuck” situation may lead to:

• Restricted awareness – You know what you know, and little else.
• Limited options – What can be done about it, anyway?
• Atrophy –Your abilities begin to weaken, and so does your passion.
• Suffering of your spirit – You know you are off purpose and less than your best.

Getting Un-Stuck

Don’t wait around for AAA to show up and remedy your plight. It’s up to you to harness your discontentment and use that as a motivation force to change your situation. Break out of your inertia and start moving forward with purposeful strides.

Into Action

1.    Change something (even a small thing) about your routine.
2.    Say “yes” to an invitation or opportunity you would normally decline.
3.    Learn something new. Expand your awareness.
4.    Ask for a “push” from someone you respect and trust.
5.    Take a bold step you have been putting off (even though you know it must be done). Make the decision, put it in gear, and GO!

Being stuck can be a debilitating condition. But it isn’t a permanent one. Sooner or later, some force, event, or person will alter the status quo. But if you want the alteration to be in your favor and for your benefit, then it is up to you to take charge of change. Come to your own rescue. Dig in. Push! You might get a little messy, but the satisfaction of being un-stuck is far superior to the acceptance of a rutted life.

With encouragement always,

Dan

We live in an unstable world, and that fact is becoming more apparent and more personal every day. By any measure—economic realities, global events, your health, job security, or relationship status, to name a few—we observe and encounter a harsh reality.

Nobody really knows what is going to happen next.

Uncertainty abounds. But, while this reality seems amplified at the moment, it has always been the case. Even with the most extensive preparation and due diligence, you will never be able to remove all doubt and claim complete certainty about an anticipated outcome. That is an undeniable fact of life.

Embrace Uncertainty

How you experience life is dependent upon your relationship to the unknown. If you are curious, expectant, and hopeful, your experience will reflect that. You will be more resourceful and in command of your response to external circumstances.

Uncertainty can be unnerving.

If, however you are fighting the flow of change at every turn, you will experience a barrage of undesirable circumstances that are happening “to you.” When we adopt the role of victim, we relinquish control of our inward and external responses to reshape events for the better.

I believe we need to embrace uncertainty and take an active role in creating a life and a world that, while still unpredictable, is positive in nature, evolving for the better, and shaped by our powerful words and actions. While you can never completely control the outcome, you can greatly influence it.

Take the Right Risks

Uncertainty is undeniable, and to navigate through it, we must accept certain risks and reject others. Largely, this is an intuitive process, but the term “risk” means that the potential downside is quantifiable. When you focus on “uncertainty,” you will be overwhelmed, because it is an ambiguous and all encompassing term. But a “risk,” by definition, is measurable and finite.  You can consider a risk, compare it to the potential rewards and benefits, and make a decision about your next move.

The Ratio of Risk and Reward

Risk is relative, and it is entirely a matter of perception. One person would think nothing of free-climbing a 100-foot cliff, while another is fearful of leaving his own home. Most of us are somewhere in between. The key is to become aware of your own attitudes toward risk and to be willing to turn aversion into acceptance for a meaningful reason. When you have a meaningful reason to lean forward—when you are aligned with a persuasive purpose—discomfort transforms into excitement.

Here’s a quick risk assessment that will help you get past emotional reflexes and shift your perception. Answer these questions, relative to the choice or circumstance you are contemplating.

•    What is the immediate best thing that can happen?

•    What are the long-term rewards?

•    What is the worst thing that can happen?

•    Is the worst thing acceptable? Can I live with it?

•    What is the likelihood that the worst thing will happen?

•    What preparations and precautions can lessen the likelihood of the worst-case?

•    How effective will they be?

•    Is the reward worth the risk?

Risk Assessment Formula

Think of this as a mathematical Risk Assessment formula:

BT + R ≠ (WT – A) × (L – P)

Of course, the values for each term (as defined below) will be subjective. That’s the point. You can use this process to clarify your thinking, estimate what these aspects of risk and reward mean to you, and then arrive at a more informed and reasoned decision.

BT = Best Thing. On a scale from 1 to 50, with 1 representing a small positive outcome and 50 representing a “dream come true” scenario, how would you characterize the immediate impact of your best-case scenario?

R = Ongoing Rewards. We’re going to use this number to beef up the “best case” side of the equation. This represents the ongoing benefits you will gain into the foreseeable future. They could be tangible, monetary, and concrete. Or, perhaps the rewards are less tangible but equally significant, such as a boost to self-confidence or self-esteem. In a business case, this could also represent your market position or future potential business. Again, pick a number from 1 (very minimal long-term impact) to 50 (maximum long-range benefit).

WT = Worst Thing. This time, use a scale from 1 to 100. The number 1 indicates a non-issue and 100 means “total devastation.”

A = Acceptability. This will be an adjustment to the “worst case” side of the equation. Use a scale from 1 to 50, but with the higher number being positive: 1 means that this is not acceptable at all (it would be really hard to recover from a negative outcome) and 50 indicates that you could recover from this without much difficulty, even though it would initially have a negative impact.

L = Likelihood. This is represented as a percentage (or as a decimal) that the worst thing will happen (.10 means that there’s a 10 percent chance of it happening). Be as honest and objective as possible.

P = Precautions and Preparation. This is an adjustment to the likelihood percentage. If you were totally prepared and took the necessary precautions, by what percentage would that lower the likelihood of a negative outcome?

Notice that this equation does not have an equal sign between the two sides. It has a “does not equal” sign, because the chances of the reward and the risk being equal are miniscule at best. Instead, one side will always be greater than the other. The results will vary, of course, depending on the unique circumstances you face.

When the reward side is greater than the risk side, the best thing that could happen plus the potential long-term rewards are greater than the worst-case possibilities. Perhaps this is because the worst thing that could happen really isn’t that bad, or the likelihood of it happening is extremely low. Here, the situation really isn’t as risky as you may have first perceived it to be. Go for it!

Here are some real-world examples to help you understand how to use the risk-assessment formula.

Reward Greater than Risk Examples

First example: Getting on an airplane to travel across the country. The worst thing, in this case an airplane crash, would be horrendous. Yet the likelihood of it happening is extraordinarily small. Thus, the reward of being able to quickly get where you are going outweighs the adjusted risk.

Or maybe the worst thing is substantial, and maybe even likely. Yet there are things you can do to minimize the risk with precautions and preparation. And the potential reward is enormous—the fulfillment of a lifelong dream, for example. In this situation, you might find that the best thing and the rewards associated with it are still worth the risk.

Second example: Investing a significant amount of money and time in order to start a business. You could easily lose it all, which would have a huge initial negative impact. But in time, you could recover. The potential rewards of doing what you love and gaining enormous satisfaction and experience may make it a worthwhile and admirable endeavor. Again, acceptable risk is subjective, as is the magnitude of the successful outcome.

If the worst thing that can happen is devastating and intolerable, and it is a likely outcome, then that side of the equation will be greater than the reward side, and you should avoid the risk. It’s simply not worth it.

Risk Greater than Reward Examples

First example: Engaging in questionable activity (such as a shady business deal or creative accounting) for a potential profit or enhanced level of status or success. Even if the chance of being found out (the risk) is relatively low, the potential devastation would ruin your career and your reputation. Also, the fact that the potential reward would come at the cost of your principles would greatly diminish its worth. This isn’t an appropriate way to “make yourself uncomfortable.”

Second example: Riding your bicycle off the garage roof in order to make an audition tape for the next “Jackass” movie. (Any action that starts with the words “Hey, watch this!” probably falls into this category.)

If you were to run the numbers of such a stunt, it might look like this:

BT = 4 (a small shot at fame and a chance to embarrass yourself nationally)

R = 2 (long-term reward: “Hey . . . aren’t you that idiot who was in that movie?”)

WT = 98 (broken bones, paralysis, or other serious injury

A = 10 (You would likely recover but have some lingering pains and the footage to prove it.)

L = 60% (of serious injury)

P = 10% (Helmets, pads, and a positive attitude can help only so much.)

Best-case equation: 4 + 2 = 6

Worst-case equation: (98 – 10) × (.60 – .10) = 44

6 < 44

Analysis: Keep your feet on the ground, pal. Don’t you wish all of life’s decisions were as easy?

Into Action

1.    Embrace uncertainty as an undeniable, exciting opportunity-rich reality.

2.    Determine what you truly want and how you desire to grow.

3.    Use the risk assessment questions to fully understand the measure of your uncertain next steps.

4.    Measure the risk against the potential rewards, factoring in the best and worse cases, and the likelihood of potential outcomes.

5.    Take the risks that are right for you, and take an active role in shaping your future.

You can never eliminate the risks of life. Besides, where is the fun in that? You can, however, better understand the risks before you and decide to accept or reject them for the right reasons. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by uncertainty, become empowered by the possibilities that await you!

With encouragement always,

Dan

Last week I was offered a rare and wonderful opportunity to peek (and linger) behind the curtain of Cirque du Soleil. In Atlanta, where I live, Cirque is mid-way through the run of Kooza, the latest traveling spectacle from the Montreal based circus phenomenon who has revolutionized and redefined the “circus” of our times.

A Show and Company Like No Other

I am the biggest of Cirque fans. I’ve seen ten different shows, including touring performances and permanent shows in Las Vegas and Orlando. I’ve also had the privilege to work with Cirque du Soleil’s outreach program, Cirque du Monde, and to visit and train at Cirque headquarters in Montreal. Although the company has attained unprecedented success and has grown into a global entertainment empire, Cirque has always remained true to its artistic roots. Furthermore, through worldwide social outreach efforts and contributions, Cirque leads the way in responsible corporate citizenship.

Danielle and Anthony (in his Delivery Man character) with Eddie and me before showtime.

An Invitation from the Master

World renowned juggler Anthony Gatto (in my book and in the record books, the best there is) is one of the featured acts in Kooza. Anthony invited me, my wife, and our son, Eddie, to sit in the “Artists’ Tent” during the performance and hang out with the cast and crew who make the magic happen. This was for me (a lifelong student of world class performance) the equivalent of Willy Wonka’s “Golden Ticket,” and way better than a front row seat in the big top.

Anthony and his wife, Danielle, have worked with Kooza for about 1 1/2 years. Their rigorous schedule calls for 9 shows per week, each demanding a near super human effort from the entire, 40 person cast. 

In the Artists’ Tent we were able to watch the performance via widescreen television, a single camera shot that captured the events taking place in the “Grand Chapiteau” (performance tent), just a few dozen feet from where we sat. We could clearly hear the crowd’s roars and applause. But the real show, trust me, was taking place all around us. The sizable space we occupied housed a trampoline, aerial apparatus, a tight wire and plenty of floor space for rehearsal.

Anthony's performance, as seen on the backstage television.

When Dorothy peeked behind the curtain (with Toto’s help) to spy on The Wizard of Oz, she was devastated and disappointed to learn the secret of his illusions. In stark contrast, my peek behind the curtain of Cirque only amplified my admiration and astonishment.

This production, like every Cirque experience, is a fantastic, seemingly flawless work of moving art. From my vantage point, I watched the precision flow of performers and props, the efforts of the production crew to coordinate the backstage action, and overheard conversations in at least six languages – a testament to the global and universal aspects that make Cirque so special.

I didn’t understand all of those conversations, of course, but I did gain some insight that will have an impact on the way I approach and evaluate future performances, as a participant, as well as a spectator.

Observations – Some of the take away lessons you and I can apply, included:

Stefan portrays the show's central character, "The Innocent," who is whisked into a magical world.

1. World Class Talent and Professionalism. The best of the best, at their best – each person is fantastically talented, yet they all behave with the utmost class and humility. 
2. Success is an Ensemble Effort. Without exception, cast and crew were kind natured, mutually supportive and genuinely fun to be around. 
3. Always Improving. Even though this was the second performance of the day and the eighth of the week, no one took the challenge lightly. They were constantly fine tuning their skills, working with trainers, and engaged in an unending quest for improvement.
4. Everyone has Many Parts. Each person had multiple roles to play, both onstage and off. Sometimes they were featured as the “stars.” At other times, they were in less visible, but equally important support roles, throwing focus, spotting fellow performers, and contributing to the larger stage picture. 
5. Keeping it Fresh. Stefan, the gentlemen who plays the central character “The Innocent” was kind enough to chat with us and pose for a picture. When I told him that this was the third time I’ve seen Kooza, he said “Really the third time?” Then, with a quick glance a the show board, which listed the acts, the date, and the number of this night’s performance, he continued, “For me. It’s number 673.” Yet, each performer knows that every performance is brand new to the audience. So they constantly find ways to stay engaged, innovative, and keep the performance a fresh, real, and authentic experience.

Show number 675. Guess Stefan only missed two!

Thank you Anthony, for the experience of a lifetime. I’ll long remember the “hang time” backstage with you and your amazing coworkers. And I’ll strive to apply the experience to improve my own performances, relationships, and roles … on and off the stage.

 

View Past Newsletters

Destinations and Transitions – October, 2008

Seize the Adventure – September, 2008

Becoming Irreplaceable – August, 2008

Capability and Capacity – July, 2008

Sustainablity – June, 2008

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